Sinn Fein's candidate for Dublin West, Mary Lou McDonald,
responding to the publication of the Disability Federation report
today, said that the rights and needs of people with disabilities
must be a Government priority. Ms. McDonald said:

``People who suffer disability need more resources invested in
them and their families to ensure equality of access to
education, health, transport services and to the workplace.

``The State must recognise that everybody has the right to a
dignified standard of living and general life experience. The
rights and needs of people with disabilities must be a priority
in the new Dail.''

Sinn Fein Proposes: -

An Independent Living Fund for people with disabilities.

Direct payments to people with disabilities and their
personal assistants.

Increased and secured financial support for those providing
services including day resource centres and personal assistance
services.

Introduction of a cost of disability living allowance as
recommended by the Commission for Status of People with
Disabilities.

Increase in the Mobility Allowance.

Financial support for full-time carers through the increase
of the Carer's Allowance and an end to the means test.

Funding to continue progress in cutting waiting lists for
people with mental handicaps or intellectual disabilities.